Friday, 18 August 2023

Review: Parcel for Koala

Guess who’s getting a parcel next? It’s Koala!

Our cranky bird postman is back, and this time he’s riding a kangaroo into the outback to our friend Koala.

Koala is feeling super sleepy but is finding it hard to get to sleep. What has Turtle sent in the post, and can it help solve Koala’s sleep problem?

Everyone’s keen to have a guess. A hammock? A harp? A set of earmuffs? What could it possibly be? You won’t guess it, but you’ll love the unexpected surprise!

The Parcel For series is a fabulous set of picture books for young ones. They provide a great guessing game to keep kids on their toes and get them engaged in storytelling. As you turn the pages, they can join in on the guessing fun. It’s a great group read-aloud. It’s fun and silly and joyful.

And once you experience the surprise of finding out what Koala’s parcel is, you can enjoy the journey of discovering what’s in Penguin's parcel and what’s in Gorilla’s parcel, too.

Title: A Parcel for Koala
Author/Illustrator: Shelley Knoll-Miller
Publisher: Puffin, $14.99
Publication Date: 18 July 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761046636
For ages:  2 - 5
Type: Picture Books




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Thursday, 17 August 2023

Review: The Lucky Shack

There are times when words are hard to find, that do justice to flawless picture books. This is one of those times.

The narrative voice here belongs to the shack. It recounts the lives of the people who have loved and cared for it since its beginnings.

The structure is set close to the sea, with stunning shades of green meadows as a backdrop. Shimmering variegated blues indicate the changing phases of the water beyond and below.

The wild days of winter which darken the view are just as welcome.

Built by a now ageing fisherman, his weekly visits have maintained the building in excellent condition throughout his lifetime.

The daily routines of both lives – the fisherman’s and the shack’s, inspire reflection and gratitude for the life they’ve lived and shared.

But seasons come and go for all things. Equally so, for the shack. There are no more boots on the floors. Age and all that comes with it sets in.

Then young life arrives to turn the handle of the door. With love and patience, the fisherwoman breathes restoration and new beginnings into the shack. The old becomes new again.

Once again, it has something to look forward to.

The illustrator has done a magnificent job in translating the excellent text. Both,  immersive and intimate, this most beautiful rendering of the cycle of life, brought tears to my eyes.

Title: The Lucky Shack
Author: Apsara Baldovino
Illustrator: Jennifer Falkner
Publisher:Harper Collins, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 5July 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922033154
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book




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Wednesday, 16 August 2023

Review: Jawsome: Jawsome 1

Jawsome is a new series, written and illustrated by RJ Timmis, about a bunch of shark kids who are just regular sharks by day, and a famous rock band by night.

In Jawsome 1 you'll get two cool stories in the one book: Stage Bite and Finvestigated.

There are sharks and adventure, word play and music. 

The starring character in Jawsome, and the band's lead guitarist, is Finley the reef shark whose alter ego is Felix Frenzy. 

Finley's friends and bandmates are a tiger shark (Hunter), pointer shark aka great white (Gnash), and a lemon shark (Gilleon).

When lead singer, Ann Chovi leaves the band in the lurch, it looks like Finley will be called on to take her spot. The only problem is that he gets stage fright. Perhaps auditions for a new singer will find someone to help?

That's the driver for Stage Bite, the first story in the book.

The second story, Finvestigated, sees the band being investigated by a wannabe journalist. Squidley Whistleblower is a new kid at school, and out to discover just who it is that makes up Jawsome and expose them. The band is desperate to remain anonymous and divert attention to someone or something else, and keep performing. Will they be successful?

These are not scary sharks. They're actually funny, and rather cute. The shark and ocean-themed word play in Jawsome will make you laugh or groan, or perhaps both. Think 'Shellvis Presley', 'seaspicious', 'prawndemonium' and 'crabtastrophe'. Look out for little visual jokes, too.

Jawsome is highly illustrated in a cartoon style, with pictures on each page. Its format and content make it a book with great appeal for newly independent, or reluctant readers. Enjoying the stories is also complemented by the shark trivia integrated into them.

Kids (and their parents) looking for something new to read will love Jawsome.

Title: Jawsome 1
Author/Illustrator: RJ Timmis
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $15.99
Publication Date: August 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761068591
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction



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Review: Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures

A friendship finding adventure on a fierce and fantastic island of mysteries. All in graphic novel form.

Ember has been searching for someone to be close to his entire life, but when you’re a teeny-tiny human creature living in a giant world, making friends isn’t easy.

His luck changes when a giant sea turtle takes him to a mysterious island, where a school of misfits are discovering themselves and their abilities. But while he tries hard to fit in and make friends, Ember finds it difficult to be accepted by the ragtag group of strange and magical beings in his class.

In search of his truth, his identify and connection, Ember takes risks. 

He goes to the places his teacher says he shouldn't go. He speaks with creatures that everyone seems to fear. Ember has a giant heart, but can his heart endure his struggles so he can find what he’s looking for.

Author/illustrator Jason Pamment has built a complex and wondrous world in this stunning graphic novel. With lovely thick and glossy paper, saturated in colourful illustrations and magical dialogue, you’ll be truly immersed in this story. It will speak to you in lots of different ways.

Pamment’s style is a beautiful combination of funky, cute and quirky. The story is 95% dialogue, but Ember’s letters and journal entries pop up from time to time, inviting audiences deep into his thoughts and dreams. It’s a beautiful way to bring a closeness between Ember and audiences. This is balanced, however, by many panels of only illustrations. They are beautiful quiet moments where you get to explore the story without words.

This is a big book, but it’s an easy read. It’s perfect for young adventurers who lean more towards graphics than words, but it’s also a glorious new way to explore story for those who love a novel.

Title: Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures
Author/Illustrator: Jason Pamment
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $19.99
Publication Date: 27 June 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761067488
For ages: 7 - 13
Type: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction, Junior Fiction




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Tuesday, 15 August 2023

Review: How We Came to Be: Surprising Sea Creatures

Beneath the foam bubbles of the sea is a wobbly glass world, largely unknown to us. In fact, it’s thought that we know more about Mars than our own deep-dark oceans. And so, for those curious to know more, come and explore How We Came to Be: Surprising Sea Creatures.

This is the first book in a new picture book series about unusual animal evolution stories. Sami Bayly dives down with readers, exploring the ocean’s five different zones, including the Sunlight Zone, Twilight Zone, Midnight Zone, the Abyss and the Trenches. Her yellow and black scuba suit is a constant throughout the book as she discovers unusual sea creatures. 

Each sea creature’s story unfolds through dialogue with Bayly and is set out in speech bubbles. In addition, interesting facts are provided in round fact boxes. This layout breaks up the information into approachable chunks. 

At the end of the book, a double-page spread provides pops of information about more surprising animals which would be perfect for further research at home and in the classroom. Find more teachers’ resources here.

Primarily though, the true magic in this book exists in Bayly’s incredible artwork; her reverence for the creatures shining through her carefully crafted illustrations. Bayly, a natural history illustrator, uses her skill to shine light on these unusual sea creatures. She uses watercolour and some digital elements added in photoshop to help create a deep-sea feeling. I love the way Bayly has captured the decreasing light of the ocean’s different zones in her beautiful watercolour backgrounds which amplify the watery seascape.

My family owns a rich bounty of Bayly’s books, including The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Dangerous Animals, The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals and The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Peculiar Pairs in Nature. How We Came to Be: Surprising Sea Creatures is a real family favourite, especially with my nine-year-old and five-year-old who delight in the facts. My three-year-old pores over the illustrations but the information in the book is a bit beyond him. My family’s current favourite animal is the prickly footballfish which has a fishing rod-like light on its head. And did you know that there is a venus flytrap sea anemone that can release glowing slime from its mouth?

By sharing these incredible sea creatures’ stories, How We Came to Be: Surprising Sea Creatures reminds us about finding beauty in the unusual, and promotes our interconnectedness. With plastic pollution littering our oceans, this is most salient. After all, it is difficult to protect what we don’t know.

Title: How We Came to Be: Surprising Sea Creatures
Author/Illustrator: Sami Bayly
Publisher: Lothian, $28.00
Publication Date: 28 September 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780734421364
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book




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Announcement: New Junior Reviewer - Meet Ayla!

Our reviewing team are passionate about sharing some of the best stories for children and teens with anyone who'll listen. 
It's one thing reviewing kids' books. It's another creating stimulating, entertaining and enthralling content for kids but it's something altogether special when kids share their true thoughts and feelings about a story with other kids. 

Which is why we are over-the-moon excited about the latest member to join our elite KBR team. Give it up for the delightful, book mad, soon-to-be-published-author, Ayla Wardrop everyone!

Ayla loves reading and writing, particularly stories with mythical creatures and cute characters. Picture books, junior fiction, middle grade and graphic novels — Ayla loves them all. She’s also a keen illustrator and takes pens everywhere to fit in five more minutes of drawing whenever she can. Poetry is on the list of things Ayla loves, and her poem Doggies Like will be published in the upcoming anthology Hot Diggety Dog: Tails from the Bark Side.  And if you think Ayla looks a little like one of our other revered reviewers, you'd be right! Welcome Ayla! We can't wait to read more about you ...

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
My favourite bands are Gorillaz and Hilltop Hoods.

2. What is your nickname?
Sometimes my friends call me Ay.
 
3. What is your greatest fear?
The dark.
 
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Magical adventures that take readers away on a long journey.
 
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Funny, risky, adventurous, silly, friendly.

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Rosie from Beware the Deep Dark Forest by Sue Whiting. Rosie is brave, daring and cares so much about her dog Tinky. I love her.

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?

I actually wouldn’t travel anywhere. I like to live in the now. Also, I don’t want to muck up time.
 
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
I’m ten so I’ll tell myself right now 'hi!'.

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My parents.

10. What/who made you start writing?
Reading lots of books inspired me to start my own writing journey.
 
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Family, because I love my family.
 
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’m not sure, but it would definitely be an anthology because then I’d get to read more stories in one!





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Monday, 14 August 2023

Winner: Trilby Moffat Double Book Prize

Our lucky winner is ...
Marissa Saxty, QLD

Congratulations!

You have won a copy of The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat and The Perilous Promotion of Trilby Moffat by Kate Temple.

Thank you to ALL who entered. The periods of history ranged from ancient Roman times to the Middle Ages to the 1800s. We feel like we've been on our own perilous adventure! 


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Review: Hello Twigs

From the creators of Real Pigeons, come new entertaining and delightful characters. Hello Twigs introduces Red, Noodle, Stump and Ziggy.

Three twigs and a stump. The characters are best friends, funny and playful, full of wild ideas, and always looking out for each other. 

The four books in this graphic series for early readers are released all together. They come in different colours and each book carries its own theme.

In Surprise, red is the colour of the book. Red, the twig, thinks he is the best because of his colour. 

He decides to play a game of surprise and sets about jumping out at his friends at every turn. 

He sees it as fun.


But that’s not what the others think.

How will the twigs teach Red to give more welcomed surprises instead of scary ones?


Time to Paint
is blue. Noodle is an artistic twig. He sees art as an expression of one’s feelings. But first, preparations must be made. Everyone is excited as they search for coloured things in nature that can be used as paint. A large leaf is Noodle’s drawing board.

As there are no rules to art, there are no limits to the imagination!

But the colour blue, the most important, is missing from the palette. Can they reach the sky to take a piece of its colour? Impossible! Can Ziggy solve this dilemma?


Let’s Find Treasure
is yellow. Twigs view the world in a unique way as they are part of nature. Twiggy sets out on a treasure hunt. But what does that mean? The other twigs and Stump decide to join in.

Each defines treasure differently. Things found in the natural world can be seen as treasures. Can the friends meet somewhere in the middle?  Then, another issue arises. Ziggy is scared of heights. How can Ziggy overcome his fear?


How are You Feeling
? is green. Stump is feeling great sadness. He wants to be part of a tree again. He misses the feel of the breeze against him. He tries all the ways he can imagine, to make himself part of a tree again, without success. The twigs find a way to help their friend lose his sadness and find joy once more.

These colourful books will awaken children to the beauty of nature, its usefulness and glory. They are encouraged through the twig’s examples, to be creative, innovative, work as a team, and accept each other’s differences.

Title: Hello Twigs:Surprise!, Time to Paint, Let's Find Treasure, How are you Feeling?
Author: Andrew McDonald
Illustrator: Ben Wood
Publisher: Hardie Grant, $9.99
Publication Date: 2 August 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761211980, 9781761212017, 9781761212000, 97816121997
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Graphic Novel




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Friday, 11 August 2023

Review: I am Lupe

Lupe’s skin and hair are different to that of her classmates. They ask her why. 

She can’t answer their curious questions. She wants to fit in, make friends, but finds it difficult, so she turns to her mother for answers.

In response to her What am I, Lupe’s mum points out all the wonderful characteristics that are hers. 

As the list grows, Lupe realises that being who she is, is a great gift, something to be proud of because there is only one like her in the whole world.

The uniqueness of being one of a kind is hard for children to recognise. 

They need the nuts and bolts explained clearly to them.

That is what Lupe’s mother does. 

This is a delightful celebration of difference.

Messages of diversity, acceptance and knowing your good points, all essential to the identity each person claims, come through with simplicity and warmth.

Beautiful full-page images appear on a double spread with one side accommodating the text. The illustrations are in vibrant colours reflecting the children’s emotions. Even without the words, it is easy to identify what the characters are thinking and saying.

This book offers a superb opportunity to open discussion between adults and children, teachers and students, on difference and diversity, as that is the pride of this wonderful country.  

Title: I am Lupe
Author: Sela Ahosivi-Atiola
Illustrator: Yani Agustina
Publisher: Lothian, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 26 July 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780734422538
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book




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Thursday, 10 August 2023

Review: One Little Duck

'...One little duck went out one day, over the hills and far away 

Mother Duck said ‘Moo Moo Moo Moo,’ and Cow said ‘Wait! Now I’m coming too.’...' 

Oh, my heart! This utterly compelling rewrite of the beloved classic Five Little Ducks is an absolute delight.  

The pairing of award-winning author Katrina Germein’s delicious and cheeky verbal surprises, alongside multi award-winning illustrator Danny Snell’s gorgeous and captivating images, make this a book that totally rewards revisiting. Over and over and over again! 

It seems that Mother Duck has forgotten how to quack… and so she unwittingly invites the entire farmyard in for tea, one entertaining beast at a time. The playful twists of rhythm and rhyme, along with classic farmyard calls, will have children whooping, mooing and hooting with glee.  

And then, there are the illustrations that both surprise and delight. Snell’s farm animals are full of character and joy, eliciting a new response in the reader each evening as they sit down for tea. Visual hints in each double-paged illustration spread will have children totally immersed in the storyline, and guessing who the next visitor might be.   

A romp of a picture book that is bound to become a firm favourite in every early childhood collection. Highly recommended.

Title: One Little Duck
Author: Katrina Germein
Illustrator: Danny Snell
Publisher: HarperCollins, $22.99
Publication Date: 5 July 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460761649
For ages: 0+
Type: Picture Book




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Wednesday, 9 August 2023

Review: The 39 Clues - Book 1: The Maze of Bones

The Maze of Bones is the first installment in a thrilling graphic novel adaption of The 39 Clues series by Rick Riordan, which was published in late 2008. Filled with fast-paced action and mystery, it promises to draw the reader into an adventure like no other.

When Grace Cahill, grandmother and guardian of Amy and Dan dies, the shocking news that she has changed her Will at the last moment, becomes a magnet that draws together the countless branches of a lineage that boasts many famous and powerful people, including Benjamin Franklin.

A seismic shift occurs in the sibling’s lives. They no longer have a home or protector, but are now at the mercy of greedy, privileged relatives that will stop at nothing to get their hands on more money.

 

Grace has left a challenge so great it will rock everyone’s world.

One clue, the first of many, will be given only to those who forfeit their share – a million dollars - and take the challenge, which the siblings do.

Left to their own resources, Amy, a bookworm, uses her accumulated wide range of knowledge from all she has read. Deciphering Grace’s conundrum is a challenge she takes to heart. Dan is full of surprises and solutions which surface when needed.

With their lives constantly in danger, not knowing who they can trust, the two, together with their au pair Nellie, and cat Saladin, follow clues to Philadelphia, on a journey that will change their lives.

Brilliant in every way, this series covers many themes. It is filled with excitement, mystery, suspense, and full-on action. These elements are accentuated by the exceptional, expression-filled artwork by Ethan Young.

I loved it! So will anyone that sets out on this series of adventures, created by a collaboration of authors, with outstanding characters, many of whom you will love to hate. Never a dull moment here!

Title: The 39 Clues - Book 1: The Maze of Bones
Author: Rick Riordan
Illustrator: Ethan Young
Publisher: Scholastic, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781336803365
For ages: 8 – 12
Type: Graphic Novel




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Tuesday, 8 August 2023

Review: Bush Turkey

What do you know about bush turkeys, also known as scrub turkeys or Australian brush turkeys?

You'll learn lots about them in a funny way from Bush Turkey, written by Kate and Jol Temple, and illustrated by Rhonojoy Ghosh.

In this rhyming story a bush turkey runs out of the bush and into the suburbs. There Bush Turkey encounters builders working on a new house.

Bush Turkey is inspired by what he sees. He can build a bigger and better nest than ever before.

With his imagination running wild, Bush Turkey dreams of a mansion with a deck and pool. He'll need some new tools, and materials for construction. Perhaps he can 'borrow' them from the building site?

When Mollie the collie spies Bush Turkey making off with items from the building site, she's after him in a flash and chaos ensues. 

Will Bush Turkey's nest be a lovely home for his new chicks, or will it be a disaster? You'll have to read the book to find out. Look for the toad that appears throughout as well.

If you loved Bin Chicken and Winner Winner Bin Chicken Dinner, then you'll love Bush Turkey, too.

Bush Turkey is a crazy wild goose chase (or perhaps that should be bush turkey chase), and a great story to read aloud one-on-one or in a group.

Title: Bush Turkey
Author: Kate and Jol Temple
Illustrator: Ronojoy Ghosh
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $18.99
Publication Date: July 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761124655
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book



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12 Curly Questions with author Kristin Darell

1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I knocked out my front tooth when I was working as a ski instructor in Canada. I wonder if anyone can work out which one?

2. What is your nickname?
It depends on who you ask. To my parents, I’m Bunny, my old journalism friends called me KD, but most people just call me Kris.

3. What is your greatest fear?
When I was a kid, I was scared of the dark. To be honest, I still don’t like the dark, or sleeping with my wardrobe open. However, now I’m a parent I’d have to say my greatest fear is something terrible happening to my husband or kids.

4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Fun, moving, fast-paced, imaginative, courageous, thought-provoking, empathetic, warm.

5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Heartfelt, emotional, determined, courageous (most of the time), grateful (to be writing stories).

6. What book character would you be, and why?
Jo March from Little Women. Because she’s flawed but courageous and she loves writing!

7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d like to go 500 years in the future, to see if we’re finally all travelling through the stars.

8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
“Don’t be such a coward, don’t doubt yourself. You can do what you love. Go on… dare you!”

9. Who is your greatest influence?
My dad. He taught me that change is okay, that I should follow my dreams and that just like Peter Pan, I don’t have to grow up. Perfect advice for a children’s writer!

10. What/who made you start writing?
When I was in Grade 3 at school, I wrote a poem that made my teacher laugh. It was about a silly little sailing ship and that moment made me realise that words could impact people. I know lots of authors say it, but I have always loved writing. When I left school, I didn’t think creative writing could be a ‘job’, so I went into journalism – which obviously is writing, just a different kind! I feel honoured that I was able to share true stories for more than 20 years. Now, I am also grateful to be sharing stories from my imagination. It’s a pretty awesome life!

11. What is your favourite word and why?
Serendipity… because it means an ‘unplanned, fortunate discovery’ and who doesn’t like the sound of that!

12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
by CS Lewis, because I would be very happy to spend lots of time in Narnia, going on adventures and learning to be kind and brave. 

Kristin Darell has been a passionate storyteller since she was a child. Whether it was making up adventures with her twin sister, or writing about the world around her, she was rarely found without a pen and paper in hand. As an adult, she made this passion her life. She worked as a broadcast news and sports journalist for major Australian news organisations for more than 20 years. After the birth of her two children, Kristin re-focussed her attention on writing for children. As an author, she has contributed to children’s writing anthologies and has published her first junior fiction series. Kristin is a strong advocate for children’s literature, working as the Program Manager for the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation. She lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband, two children, two dogs, pet snake and three-legged pygmy bearded dragon. For more information, see https://ift.tt/DVaw8qh.



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Monday, 7 August 2023

Review: Super Sloth Episode 1: The Shar-Wolf of New York City

Humans and animals living side by side, solving mysteries and fighting crime.

Romeo Fortez is a very special pygmy sloth. He’s not like any sloth you’ve ever met. He’s super speedy and super strong. 

Born on a tiny island in the Atlantic ocean, Romeo does his best to fit in with the other sloths in his community. But Romeo itches for more. He’s smart and curious and island life just isn’t enough.

So…. Romeo heads to New York. The city that never sleeps. The city where anything can happen. Including… a giant shark wolf wreaking havoc through the streets.

Romeo teams up with an unlikely group of crime fighting friends, including Beth, Ham and Tulip. Together, they start investigating the very suspicious Weird-Warp Industries and tracking the giant shark wolf. 

They’ve got a hideout full of high-tech gadgets, fast cars, wit and grit. This rag-tag team of superheroes are the city’s only hope. Can they figure out what the shark wolf (or shar-wolf) wants and save the day?

Super fun and action-packed, Super Sloth Episode 1: the Shar-Wolf of New York City is an explosive start to a brand-new junior fiction series by Aleesah Darlison. It’s fast-paced, has gadgets galore and will surprise you with twists you won’t see coming. It’s also an easy read for new-to-chapter-book kids. Big text, short chapters and a fast-flowing plot that’s addictive and engaging.

Cheri Hughes’ funky black and white illustrations feature throughout. Expressive and detailed, they are perfectly paired with this superhero story.

And something extra special… this story shines a subtle light on genetics and science. It could just be me who's fascinated and obsessed with genetic manipulation and gene-splicing technology, but I really think this is something kids are going to be intrigued by. Without overshadowing the story, a little spotlight hovers above the subject matter, sparking ideas and questions for curious minds keen to know more. Love it!

Junior readers who love action and mystery are going to cheer for this one.

Title: Super Sloth Episode 1: The Shar-Wolf of New York City
Author: Aleesah Darlison
Illustrator: Cheri Hughes
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing, $14.99
Publication Date: 10 April 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922896537
For ages: 7 - 9
Type: Junior Fiction




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Saturday, 5 August 2023

Giveaway: Trilby Moffat Double Book Prize


This is the story of how one ordinary girl finds herself on a deliciously fast-paced adventure, fleeing to an island where time doesn't exist, cats are particularly rude and cake is always on the menu. Here she will take on the most treacherous job of all time. Well . . . outside of time, to be precise.

THIS IS THE DANGEROUS BUSINESS OF BEING TRILBY MOFFAT

And thanks to the good folk at Hachette Australia, we are giving away this thrilling new title by Kate Temple along with the second book in a series, The Perilous Promotion of Trilby Moffat, a girl who was accidentally promoted to the most important job that ever existed. The job of Time Keeper.


In Trilby's first adventure, characters spontaneously develop expertise in ancient historical skills. In 25 words or less, share which time period you would most like a new skill from, and why?

Email your answer along with your name and postal address to dimity. The response we like the best will win a copy of both of these books prize. Competition is open to anyone, worldwide, so long as they have an Australian postal address for delivery of the books. Please note, we cannot deliver to PO Boxes. Entries without a name and street address will be ineligible. Winners will be announced right here on our website on 14 August 2023.

Competition runs from 5.00 am 5 August 2023 to 5 pm 12 August 2023. Adults can enter for those aged 17 and under. This is a game of skill, not chance. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.





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Wednesday, 2 August 2023

Review: Eat My Dust!

Eat My Dust! is the fabulous true story of Jean Robertson and Kathleen Howell, two Australian women who made history. Almost 100 years ago these friends set a land speed record.

In 1928, it wasn't the done thing for women to drive a car, but Jean and Kathleen weren't going to let something like that stand in their way. They were well prepared and determined, despite the naysayers. 

Setting out from Fremantle, they drove to Adelaide then Melbourne and finally Sydney, all without road maps. It was between Fremantle and Adelaide they broke the record set a few months earlier.

Travelling in their Lancia Lambda, and accompanied by their dog Barney, Jean and Kathleen drove almost constantly through the vast, dusty outback. They stopped for fuel, but took turns sleeping in the back so they weren't delayed.

At night they had just the stars and car headlamps to light their way. When tyres needed repairing, they did it themselves. And when they were behind schedule, they took a short cut, and ended up surprising the officials waiting to record their time of arrival in Adelaide.

Jean and Kathleen smashed the land speed record by five hours. They also 'created some of Australia's earliest outback road maps for the Shell Company'. And in 1932 they participated in Europe's Monte Carlo Rally. 

Neridah McMullin and Lucia Masciullo have re-created Jean and Kathleen's life in a wonderfully atmospheric way, giving us a window to a small part of it. 

Jean and Kathleen were pioneers who broke records and stereotypes. Their achievements particularly resonated with me as a reminder of my great-great-aunt who was a motorcycle courier and also rode in rallies in the 1930s.

This is a story of perseverance and resilience, and an important yet relatively unknown part of Australian history. Read Eat My Dust! with your kids, it's a story that deserves to be celebrated. 

Title: Eat My Dust!
Author: Neridah McMullin
Illustrator: Lucia Masciullo
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $26.99
Publication Date: August 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760654191
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book



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Tuesday, 1 August 2023

Reading Pictures, Drawing Words: A Database of Picture Books for Older Readers

The National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature (NCACL) has launched a new database that will bring substantial opportunity for indulgence by older readers of picture books. The contribution of extensive knowledge from a vast range of children’s literature experts are the foundations and building blocks in the development of this database.

The aim of PBOR (Picture Books for Older Readers) is to reach a broad audience. It will benefit and encourage reluctant readers, those with visual rather than textual comprehension, those who prefer image analysis and varied literature style, or those who simply enjoy the beauty of picture books.

Along with design and layout, the above elements play a huge part in understanding and analysing the visual narrative of picture books. Able to address more sensitive topics appropriate to older readers, PBOR embraces non-traditional plot structure, welcoming the challenge and options of literary devices aimed at these age groups.

Not only for children, this database opens up new areas of exploration for people who adore picture books of all kinds, who read them to find the sometimes-hidden or disguised meanings in both image and text, or a combination of the two.

PBOR is easy to navigate, with its drop-down choices and search function. There is also a Guide to using the PBOR database, with free on-line resources available. On exploration, I found it easy to navigate through the subject headings, annotations and curriculum links that line up from grade 5 through to secondary school (Australian Curriculum Version 9).

PBOR is still in its early stages, so content will expand as books are added. Nevertheless, the database promises to prove a useful tool for reading and learning about picture books in schools.

The PBOR database can be accessed at https://www.ncacl.org.au/pbor-database. For further information email ncacl@canberra.edu.au




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Monday, 31 July 2023

Review: Peppa's Magical Adventures Bumper Colouring Book

Peppa’s Magical Adventures Bumper Colouring Book invites young readers into Peppa’s world, alongside all the familiar faces that contribute to the joy that emanates from this much- loved character.

Children are entertained and educated as they count, discover, search and find, while creating their own colourful interpretation of the images they see, based on and around Peppa’s life experiences.

Mermaids and their underwater world, unicorns, dragons, treasure hunts, holidays, camping, favourite places, and most certainly, friends and family members, fill the pages with fun and activity.

There are lots of fairies and all the excitement and magic that comes with them.

There is more than a glimpse into special overseas holidays to Japan and Paris, and readers easily sense Peppa’s delight at travelling to new places and sharing in the diverse traditions of other cultures.

Every page is filled with all the laughter and liveliness that comes with Peppa due to her zest for living. Be assured that whatever Peppa is doing, children will make her adventures their own.   

Title: Peppa's Magical Adventures Bumper Colouring Book
Author/Illustrator: Peppa Pig
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $5.99
Publication Date: 13 June 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241634080 
For ages: 2+
Type: Activity Book




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Friday, 28 July 2023

Review: Peter Rabbit - Bedtime Bunny Hunt

Based on the books by Beatrice Potter, this stunning lift-the-flap book is pure delight.

Peter Rabbit loves the outdoors and being surrounded by nature and his family.  It is a glorious day, so the young ones decide to bring their toys out into the sunshine.

They play hide and seek. There are so many secret places to hide. Peter Rabbit knows them all. Under bushes, behind trees and in all the nooks and hollows that nature provides.

Too soon mother is calling them in to prepare for bedtime. She reminds the little ones to pick up their toys.

Mopsy, Flopsy and Cotton-tail return their toys to their usual places. But what about Peter Rabbit’s bunny?

A search begins. Everyone takes part.

Where can that bunny be?

Mother suggests that sometimes, when something is misplaced, it is best to do and think of something else. So, they have their bath, then enjoy some warm milk and cake.

Now, will all this help Peter Rabbit to find his bunny?

Little ones will have lots of fun lifting the flaps to see if bunny can be found. This is a most pleasurable interaction as it can be repeated over and over, with each repetition feeling like the first.

Stunning images fill each page as they go through the house, looking in cupboards, under pots, behind things. They check even in the most unusual places. Peter Rabbit must find his friend before he goes to bed!

Title: Bedtime Bunny Hunt
Author/Illustrator: Beatrix Potter
Publisher: Penguin Random House, $ 16.99
Publication Date: 11 July 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241613108
For ages: 2+
Type: Activity Book




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Thursday, 27 July 2023

Review: Mr Impoppable

Silliness and joy come together in this fun picture book about a balloon who makes chocolate (I swear it will all makes sense!).

Mr Impoppable owns a chocolate store, where he makes amazing and unusual chocolates (like flying chocolate birds). 

He also happens to be a balloon. An un-poppable balloon. An un-poppable balloon who every kid in town just loves.

Except for one boy.
 
Gerald does not like chocolate or Mr Impoppable or balloons. But the one thing he does like... is popping balloons.

So when Gerald meets Mr Impoppable, he’s determined to pop him. 

He tries everything. Sharp things, pointy things, spiky things, everything!!! And Mr Impoppable supports Gerald for every attempt (even though they fail one after another). He just that kind of guy (or balloon!). 

Two unlikely friends, brought together in the most unusual way. The only questions is... will Gerald succeed in popping Mr Impoppable?

Expect the unexpected in this fab new picture book. From the start, you’ll be delightfully thrilled and surprised, and those surprises keep on coming.

The characterisation Trent Jamieson pours into the pages is something super special. Mr Impoppable is so cool and kind. His heart is as big as his giant balloon head. Gerald is also a very cool and interesting kid. He’s relatable, and when you scratch his hard exterior, you find soft, jiggly jelly.

Brent Wilson’s funky cartoon style brings it all to life. Witty, charming and fun. Bright colours and loads of details to explore. 

If you love a laugh, if you love an expected read, Mr Impoppable is a great pick.

Title: Mr Impoppable
Author: Trent Jamieson
Illustrator: Brent Wilson
Publisher: Larrikin House, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 June 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922804440
For ages: 3 - 8 
Type: Picture Book




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Meet The illustrator: Carolina Parada

Name: Carolina Parada

Describe your illustration style in ten words or less. 
Characterized by a whimsical tone and warm colours

What items are an essential part of your creative space? 
I have a lot of books around me. I always have a sketchbook, Polychromos, and my iPad. Music is always there too.

Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
My favourite medium is watercolours. Unfortunately I don’t get to use them as much as I would like to. Most of my illustrations are digital.

Name three artists whose work inspires you. 
My favourite artist is the surrealist painter Remedios Varo, I also find Magritte and Chagall very inspiring.

Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Surrealism, because it explores the irrational, the nonsense, the subconscious. It is the depiction of dreams and nightmares. It is freedom for imagination.


 
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
I have been drawing my whole life with more or less intensity and for different reasons. In terms of my career, a critical point was to start sharing my illustrations on social media. I realized that I had an audience that was interested in my ideas and stories. Although I would still draw and write for myself, having people interested in my art has been really encouraging.




Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
The attached photo shows my desk and my main tools: an iPad and an apple pencil. I usually watch something or listen to music or podcasts while drawing, so I have my computer right there. I waited for the perfect moment to take this photo. I was watching a movie from Studio Ghibli (Pom Poko) and was finishing an illustration to celebrate the birthday of someone special. I don’t have much natural light in my apartment (it’s Paris), but in Spring and Summer every day at 20h and for around five minutes, a ray of sun hits my window and I get the rainbow you can see on the wall.


 
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
Making drafts, when ideas are born.


 
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Draw every single day and don’t stop exploring (new materials, techniques, styles).


 


Born in a city perched in the mountains of Colombia, living in beautiful Paris, Carolina has a PhD in biology and combines her scientific activities with her career in writing and illustration. Her inspiration for both science and art comes from the beauty of nature.


For more information, please visit Carolina's website or follow her on instagram.








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Wednesday, 26 July 2023

Review: Dragons Love Tacos

Do you love dragons? Yes? Well, then you'll know that they love tacos. But not spicy and hot tacos. They hate hot and spicy tacos. Dragons also love parties.

This is central to Dragons Love Tacos, the story of a boy who wants a friendly relationship with dragons and plans a party.

When hosting a party for dragons how do you decide what kind of tacos need to be on the menu? 

Dragons love tacos of all sizes, so big and little tacos are good. But their contents are another matter.

The boy experiments with various food combinations. Tomatoes, lettuce and cheese are all good. But salsa, and hot sauce, is not. The thing is that spicy food sets a dragon smoking and snorting. And that can lead to sparks and fire. All of that can be a dangerous combination.

When spicy salsa tacos are accidentally served at the dragon taco party, sparks are going to fly. And that means trouble.

Dragons Love Tacos is colourful and quirky. You'll love it whether or not you love dragons or tacos yourself.

You can learn more about Dragons Love Tacos, by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri, on the official website for the book.

Title: Dragons Love Tacos
Author: Adam Rubin
Illustrator: Daniel Salmieri
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $ 19.99
Publication Date: July 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760262174
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book



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Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Review: Sam Francisco and the Cat Disco

Midnight struck, the whole town slept.
Out of the window, something crept,
covered in glitter from head to toe,
singing softly, ‘me-ow me-oh.’.


Sam Francisco is off to the disco with his kitty-cat dance pals.

There’s bright lights and loud beats and everyone is stomping their feet as they show of their dance styles while Sam spins a tune. 

But Buzzkill Bill is out to ruin everything and shut this party down. He sends the dogs, he calls pest control, he calls all the emergency services! But nothing can stop Sam Francisco. Or can it?

This picture book is the cat’s meow! Fun and silly, good rhymes and good times. It’s uber entertaining and will inspire kids everywhere to get on the dance floor.

Vivid and colourful, the illustrations pop as much as the dancing. Gorgeous nighttime hues fill the background, and the best little details fill the pages to the edges. Glow sticks, platform shoes, banana pyjamas and more. Each page brings new delights to discover.

If you love a rhyming tale infused with fun, Sam Francisco and the Cat Disco is the cat you need to meet and the party you must attend.

Title: Sam Francisco and the Cat Disco
Author: Sarah Tagholm
Illustrator: Binny Talab
Publisher: Affirm Press, $19.99
Publication Date: 30 May 2023
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781922930330
For ages: 3 - 6 
Type: Picture Book




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10 Quirky Questions with author Lana Spasevski

1. What's your hidden talent?
I’ve recently started making bread, short-crust pastry, pasta and anything that has a dough that needs to be made from scratch. After working in food marketing for over a decade and now on a kids’ book series all about food, I’ve been inspired to take more risks in the kitchen and upskill!

2. Who is your favourite literary villain and why?
The White Witch from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is such a fascinating villain. I love wintertime and who wouldn’t want to have access to a magical potion that creates enchanting foods like hot chocolate and Turkish delights. Except I would use this magical potion for good causes like creating bottomless pits of writing snacks!

3. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which five authors would you invite? (alive or dead)
I’d invite the masters of middle-grade fiction that have inspired generations of kids through the years – Lucy Maud Montgomery, Katherine Paterson and Nova Weetman. I’d also invite my two middle-grade reading children who are budding authors themselves and are in the process of writing their own first novels. We would laugh, listen and learn from one another over a scrumptious four-course meal (with a double serve of dessert of course!)

4. Which literary invention do you wish was real?
Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak – perfect for escaping and finding moments of calm to squeeze in more uninterrupted writing time.

5. What are five words that describe your writing process?
Daydream, plot, plan, speed-type, and repeat.

6. Which are the five words you would like to be remembered by as a writer?
Inspiring, authentic, heartfelt, engaging and inventive.

7. Picture your favourite writing space. What are five objects you would find there?
My favourite writing space has plenty of natural light streaming in, my cosy lap cat to help me edit, lots of research papers and reference books scattered everywhere, a gigantic mug of coffee and a pen and paper to scribble down any random thoughts worth keeping.

8. Grab the nearest book, open it to page 22 and look for the second word in the first sentence. Now, write a line that starts with that word. (Please include the name of the book!)
The closest book on my desk at the moment is my sparkly advance copy of A Slice of Sadie, the fourth book in the Sadie Series. The second word in the first sentence of page 22 is they. My line is inspired by a wonderful bunch of book-loving children that I met today at an author visit: They spent the afternoon pawing through the mountain of new library books. The books had sparked a connection and a furious debate on the agenda of the next book club meeting.

9. If you could ask one author one question, what would the question be and who would you ask?
I’d ask Jane Austen, ‘If you were alive in today’s world, what would you write about?’

10. Which would you rather do: 'Never write another story or never read another book'?
I would never be able to go a day without reading a book so in that regard I would give up writing to be forever surrounded by the power of other people’s words and perspectives.  

Lana LOVES writing kids’ books just as much as Sadie LOVES sprinkles! Her writing is endlessly inspired by her young daughters who she lovingly calls her little book butterflies. Lana spends many hours treasure hunting in bookshops and attempting messy home bakes. She hopes to inspire a love of storytelling through her books and sensationally sweet characters. The latest book in the Sadie series is A Slice of Sadie, out now with Affirm Press. For more information, see www.lanaswrites.com.


 



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Monday, 24 July 2023

Review: Yellow Butterfly - A Story from Ukraine

Wordless but powerful, this extraordinary response to the war in Ukraine will tear at the heartstrings.

Wordless picture books are open to interpretation by the reader. They activate imagination and create discussion.

It opens on darkness. The dark rain of destruction falls, filling the surrounding world. Insurmountable barricades appear; barbed wire fences are erected. A child stands staring through the spikes. A shadow of that same child becomes any child; alone and defenceless.

The child sees the barbed wire reforming, becoming a giant spider trying to devour her. She runs but there is no escape.

Filled with fear, she enters a tunnel.

 All her eyes can see is the giant spider. She trips on a stone, and tumbles forward.

She is afraid to open her eyes. When she does, a bright yellow butterfly appears surrounded by blinding light in the centre of a barbed wire circle.

The child follows the yellow butterfly along the wire fencing. Its flightpath creates large images of her shape. It leads her past huge black posts and flies into the light.

She passes a man standing still as a scarecrow. Birds rest on his outstretched arms. He has an outline of a yellow butterfly on his chest. Now two butterflies accompany the child on her journey.

Bombs fall around her but the butterflies increase. They fill a bomb hole. She passes a playground and remembers how children played there and butterflies fill the air around them. Her shadow keeps moving and butterflies increase in volume.

Now ruins are surrounded in butterflies. Their brilliance is magnificent against the charred remains. She longs for carefree times when cats climbed trees and trees still stood tall.

She is filled with rage at war which destroys all things. She wants to push away the bombs that destroy with the help of the butterflies that represent hope and renewal.

The darkness is now filled with a waterfall of illuminated yellow butterflies. They surround her; follow her and lead the way out of the darkness.  

What she finds is a world of colour and brilliance. She runs from the piles of bombed cars to a place of thousands of yellow butterflies against blue sky.

The butterfly leads her past barbed wire fencing, where black skies have turned blue, and the air is filled with yellow hope. The colours of the Ukraine flag. She comes alone but realises she is joined by others in the light, with their faces turned toward the future.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to The Universal Reading Foundation who send children’s books to Ukraine.

Title: Yellow Butterfly: A Story from Ukraine
Author/Illustrator: Oleksandr Shatokhin
Publisher: Red Comet Press, $32.99
Publication Date: 1 Jan 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 97813636550640
For ages: 5+
Type: Wordless Picture Book




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